I'm thinking about upgrading from my current RME FF800 to an RME FF UFX. With my current setup, (FF800 + Presonus Digimax FS), I have 18 AtoD inputs and 8 AtoD outputs. I need an additional 8 AtoD and 8 DtoA channels. I would get this by continuing to operate the FF800 as an ADAT unit, along with my Digimax FS into the UFX. Also would like to finally get rid of my external analog mixer, which I parallel off my mic pres and other outboard line-level gear. I use the mixer & external FX for headphone/monitor mixes and studio-live band practices, warm-up sessions before recording, etc. I'm thinking all of these monitor mixer and monitor FX functions could be done in the box with the FF UFX.
 
So, the question is: Are any of you folks who own a UFX running with this many channels (24+ inputs, 10+ outputs)? If so, how well is it working for you in terms of sound quality, stability, reliability, and useability of the TotalMix FX features for live monitoring?
 

I just wanted to say that I love my RME FF400 unit....great for the solo artist...what you are talking about is way out of my league....sorry I couldn't help.

> So, the question is: Are any of you folks who own a UFX running with this many channels (24+ inputs, 10+ outputs)?
> If so, how well is it working for you in terms of sound quality, stability, reliability, and useability of the TotalMix FX features for live monitoring?

I used two Fireface 800 units over 7 years, 300 days/year. I bought UFX in January. I sold one FF800 and kept the other as a spare unit for UFX.
I use all UFX input and output channels in recording studio environment. External Apogee A/D and D/A converters are connected to ADATs, Fractal Audio AXE FX II via AES/EBU and all the line ins/outs and mic pres are also in use. I handle all monitoring using TotalMix FX. Internal DSP is a nice improvement compared to FF800. I keep [ ] DSP EQ+D for Record unchecked to get raw signal into SONAR while sending equalized + dynamically processed tracks back to the tracking room for the players. Internal reverb is also helpful for some vocalists - easy and fast to use and frees up external reverb unit patching.
RME driver quality is absolutely fantastic. UFX has worked perfectly without ANY issues every minute it has been in use. I have minor stability issues with SONAR X1 & RNE driver & Win7 Firewire driver combination but after examining problem I've found it's not RME's fault - it's the buggy Win7 1394 driver that causes SONAR lose connection with the UFX ASIO driver occasionally.

Live monitoring: Routing possibilities are about as good as they can be - any input channel can be routed to any output. EQ and compressor in every output channel is also very useful for live monitoring.

-Happy RME UFX user

Thanks 7-string_guy and panup. Glad to hear you are getting good performance out of your UFX Panup.

I have also been looking with great interest at the new RME HDSPe MADI FX. I like the idea of a high throughput PCIe interface with integral Digital Mixer with FX, separate from the front-end AtoD & DtoA. The only problem is this also requires an additional ADAT to MADI converter, which seems way over-priced.

I have the Fireface UFX. Never owned an RME product before but the sound quality is a marked improvement over my Tascam FW-1884. That unit is now relegated to a control surface (and lightpiped 8 inputs into the Fireface).

I'm an RME convert for life.

about that 1394 plug..and win 7.....i read before hand that you should buy a pci firewire card that has a Texas Instruments Chipset. the pc motherboard firewire jacks are not good enough. so i did, never had a stability issue yet.

I have PCI card with TI chipset...

Vendor : (104C) Texas Instruments
Chipset: (8025) TSB82AA2B/TSB83AA22A/TSB83AA23
Revision: 02
Max 1394 Speed Capability: S800
Support: Compatible, no known issues.

Troubleshooting tools at Presonus forum:
http://forums.presonus.com/posts/list/11348.page

I have a UCX and absolultely think that RME is the best in it's class for the $

Hi Bob,

You won't be disappointed with the FF-UFX
It's a fantastic unit... 

To clarify:
For maximum performance, I'd recommend connecting to a USB2 controller that's integrated into the chipset.  If connecting via Firewire, use a quality TI chipset Firewire controller.

Thanks for the comments Gaffpro and Jim.

... So, Jim, do you recommend using the Firewire interface on the UFX vs. the USB ?